After a week of practice, Florida baseball held its first spring scrimmage on Friday, Jan 23.
It was a five-inning scrimmage that featured plenty of big hits, but it wasn’t the sharpest day for the Gator pitching.
Here’s a look back at highlights and takeaways.
How did Florida’s starting pitchers look?
It very much looked like a first scrimmage for all of the Gators’ pitchers.
Both Liam Peterson and Aidan King started on the mound, with both throwing two innings.
Peterson struck out the first batter he faced, but then gave up back-to-back walks. The catcher bailed out Peterson by catching Blake Cyc stealing, which he took advantage of by logging a quick third out.
However, Peterson, who stayed between 96-97 mph, allowed the leadoff hitter to reach base after Jacob Kendall hit a single. After Kendal stole second, Kolt Myers hit an RBI single, but Peterson bounced back with a strikeout and a quick putout.
King struggled more and notably had a lower velocity than in the fall, staying in the low 90s. The right-hander finished the day allowing two runs from five hits and recorded a pair of strikeouts. With one out, King gave up three straight hits with Justin Nadeau delivering a two-run double. However, King also bounced back with back-to-back strikeouts to end the inning.
Reliver and potential closer Justin Whritenour, who threw consistently at 98 mph, had a tough time on the mound after allowing four hits, three walks and three earned runs.
Other highlights
The most notable swing of the day belonged to Caden McDonald, who hit a two-run homer off Ricky Reeth with two outs. McDonald’s swing registered an exit velocity of 105 mph as it soared over the wall in left center.
Despite the one mistake, Reeth had the best day on the mound. The Notre Dame transfer bounced back in his next trip on the mound as he retired the lineup in order.
Brendan Lawson finished 2-for-3 with an RBI, while Landon Stripling was 2-for-2 with a double. Notably, Blake Brookins and Cole Stanford each hit a double.
Who started where?
In the order of the lineup, the Blue team featured Hayden Yost in center field, Blake Cyr in right field, Ethan Surowiec at third base, Caden McDonald at first base, Jacob Kendall at designated hitter, AJ Malzone at catcher, Colt Myers at shortstop, Ashton Wilson in left field and Nic Partridge at second base.
The Orange lineup included Kyle Jones at center, Brendan Lawson at third, Landon Stripling at first, Karson Bowen flipped between the designated hitter and catcher, Cash Strayer at right, Sam Miller at shortstop, Cole Stanford also flipped between catcher and DH, Justin Nadeau was at second and Blake Brooks was in left field.
Who was injured?
As expected, Florida was without outfielder Jaden Bastian, who had surgery this fall after breaking his leg. However, returning starter Cade Kurland did not participate despite having played the entire fall.
Reach Florida Gators writer Andrew Abadie at AAbadie@usatodayco.com or on X (formerly Twitter) at @AndrewAbadie. You can also find him on Facebook at Andrew Abadie Sports Reporter or on Instagram @andrewabadie_sports.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Takeaways from Florida baseball’s first spring scrimmage
Reporting by Andrew Abadie, Gainesville Sun / The Gainesville Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
